Conservative Management of Hemothorax with Presentation of an Illustrative Case

1. Physiological changes in the intrapleural space with hemothorax must be treated individually and met promptly, if best results are to be secured.

2. Conservative treatment usually suffices in hemothorax, but if symptoms increase, energetic treatment of the shock, anemia, edema and increased pressure are necessary.

3. The use or continuation of pneumothorax depends upon the individual case, but in general, aspiration of the air alone relieves symptoms.

4. Blood should be aspirated to the fullest extent possible after a firm clot is present in the bleeding area. This permits rapid expansion of the lung with maximum return of lung function.